Please Come Back, My Love novel Chapter 381

Please Come Back, My Love

Chapter 381-

“Stay out of trouble, he said quietly

I looked up at him, letting my eyes go wide and earnest. I just want things to go back to normal. That’s all

His jaw worked. “Claire-

“I know you’re worried about her.” I let my voice soften, understanding and gentle. “I don’t blame you. What happened was terrible, and I take responsibility

for my part in it. I paused, watching his face carefully. “I just hope that one day, she’ll understand I never meafst for things to go that far.

He studied me for a long moment, clearly trying to determine if I was sincere.

I held his gaze, open and vulnerable.

Finally, he nodded. ‘Just… keep your distance. For everyone’s sake.”

“Of course.” I stepped back. “I understand completely.”

He lingered for a moment, as if debating whether to say more. Then he turned and left.

I waited until his car disappeared around the corner.

Then I closed the door and allowed myself a small smile.

He thought I’d learned my lesson. Thought I’d stay quietly in my corner, grateful for his mercy.

But Lucas had made a critical error: he’d underestimated how much I had to lose.

And how far I was willing to go to protect it.

I spent the next two days gathering information.

Not through dramatic confrontations or reckless moves–I’d learned that lesson. Instead, I made calls to old contacts, people who owed me favors or who

simply enjoyed gossip. I pieced together Sophia’s routine, her vulnerabilities, her pressure points.

।

Her mother’s hospitalization was public knowledge. The location wasn’t hard to find.

I told myself I just wanted to see her. To witness firsthand the toll this had taken on her. To confirm that my actions had left their mark.

Maybe then I could finally feel some sense of satisfaction. Some validation that I wasn’t losing this war.

The hospital was easy to navigate.

I arrived just after visiting hours began, dressed in a soft cashmere sweater and tailored slacks the picture of understated elegance. I carried a small bouquet of flowers, the kind you’d bring to a recovering friend.

11:44 am PN

Chapter 381

made my way to the cardiac wing, keeping my head down, my steps measured. The hallways were busy with nurses making their rounds, visitors clutching flowers and get well cards, the steady beep of monitors creating a rhythmic backdrop

I glanced around, scanning faces, looking for her.

And then I saw the stairwell door swing open.

Sophia emerged, holding a paper cup of what looked like coffee, steam rising from the lid. Her face was drawn, exhausted, dark circles under her eyes that

makeup couldn’t hide. Her hair was pulled back in a messy ponytail, and her clothes looked like she’d slept in them.

She looked like hell.

Good.

She was heading back toward her mother’s room when she spotted me.

She froze, the cup trembling slightly in her hand.

For a moment, we just stared at each other.

I simply stood there, flowers in hand, my expression carefully neutral.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Her voice was low, dangerous.

I blinked, as if surprised by her hostility. “I’m visiting a friend. She’s recovering from surgery.” I paused, letting concern color my tone. ‘Is everything all

right? You look upset.”

Her hands clenched around the cup. “Don’t. Don’t you dare play innocent with me.”

“I’m not playing anything.” I kept my voice soft, reasonable. “I know you’re going through a difficult time with your mother. I’m sorry for that. Truly.”

“Get out.”

“Sophia-”

“I said get out.” Her voice rose slightly, drawing a few curious glances from passing nurses.

I didn’t respond, just watched silently as she walked away, her shoulders rigid with tension.

And then I saw it.

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